Russia Unveils New Nuclear Submarine "Khabarovsk," Carrier of "Doomsday Drone"

Russia officially launched its latest nuclear submarine, the 'Khabarovsk,' on November 1, 2025, marking a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. The ceremony, held at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, was overseen by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, as reported by newsonair. This strategic vessel is specifically designed to deploy the formidable 'Poseidon' nuclear drone, often referred to as the 'doomsday missile'.

The 'Khabarovsk' (Project 09851) is poised to become a cornerstone of Russia's future undersea nuclear deterrence, according to army Recognition. Its primary mission involves carrying and launching the Poseidon, a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of intercontinental travel. This drone is reportedly designed to inflict catastrophic damage on coastal targets, including the theoretical ability to generate massive, radioactive tsunamis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently confirmed successful tests of the nuclear-propelled Poseidon drones in late October 2025, emphasizing their unparalleled speed and depth capabilities. Putin stated that these drones are impossible to intercept with current technology, as reported by Anadolu Ajansı. This development underscores Russia's commitment to enhancing its strategic arsenal with advanced, unconventional weapons systems.

Defense Minister Belousov highlighted that the new submarine, equipped with advanced underwater weapons and robotic systems, will bolster Russia's maritime border security and protect its national interests across global oceans, according to Xinhua. The launch signals a deliberate evolution in Russian undersea strategy, moving towards hybrid manned-unmanned nuclear delivery options, Army Recognition noted.

The 'Khabarovsk' is currently undergoing outfitting, with sea trials anticipated to commence in 2026, as detailed by Army Recognition. This period will be crucial for integrating the submarine's complex systems and preparing it for operational deployment. The vessel's eventual commissioning will introduce a new dimension to global naval power dynamics and strategic deterrence.

The Poseidon drone, known by NATO as 'Kanyon,' is not a traditional torpedo but a large, nuclear-powered, and nuclear-armed underwater drone, Modern Diplomacy explained. Its immense destructive potential and reported indefensibility position it as a significant deterrent in Russia's strategic arsenal, as confirmed by The Times of India.

• Background and Development of the Khabarovsk: The construction of the lead 'Khabarovsk' submarine began on July 27, 2014, by Sevmash in Severodvinsk, Russia, according to army Recognition. While initial plans aimed for an earlier launch, the timeline was repeatedly adjusted, with the official launch occurring on November 1, 2025. This Project 09851 submarine is based on a shortened and modified Borei-class hull, designed specifically to carry the Poseidon strategic torpedoes, representing a shift in Russian naval warfare strategy.

• Capabilities of the Poseidon Nuclear Drone: The Poseidon is described as a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) designed to strike coastal targets or naval bases, as outlined by Modern Diplomacy. It is estimated to be over 20 meters long and 2 meters in diameter, carrying a multi-megaton nuclear warhead. Its nuclear reactor grants it virtually unlimited range, enabling it to traverse entire oceans without surfacing and operate at depths and speeds that make detection and interception extremely challenging for current anti-submarine warfare technologies, as reported by Modern Diplomacy.

• Strategic Implications and Deterrence: The deployment of the 'Khabarovsk' and its Poseidon drones is seen as Russia's response to advanced U.S. missile defense systems, ensuring its capability to overcome such defenses, according to Modern Diplomacy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has positioned the Poseidon as a weapon with "no equivalent in the world," capable of rendering entire states inoperable, as stated by The Washington Post. This system aims to guarantee Russia's ability to inflict unacceptable costs on an adversary, thereby reinforcing its nuclear deterrent posture.

• "Doomsday" Weapon Claims and Concerns: Russian state media has claimed the Poseidon's primary purpose is to detonate off enemy coasts, creating massive, radioactive tsunamis that could contaminate vast areas for decades, making them uninhabitable. While some sources express skepticism about the exact tsunami generation capabilities, the potential for widespread radioactive contamination is a significant concern. The Economic Times reported that the drone is capable of "wiping out" coastal nations, reflecting the severity of its perceived threat.

• Technical Specifications and Stealth: The 'Khabarovsk' is estimated to have a submerged displacement of approximately 10,000 tons, a length of about 113 meters, and a beam of 10 meters. It is built for deep-ocean and Arctic operations, with advanced acoustic stealth technologies to evade detection. The Poseidon drone itself is designed for stealthy underwater travel, utilizing a silent running strategy and a special pump-jet design to minimize its acoustic signature, as detailed by Wikipedia. Its high-speed mode activates only when nearing its target, further complicating early detection.

• International Reaction and Future Outlook: The launch of the 'Khabarovsk' and the capabilities of the Poseidon drone are expected to prompt other nations to reassess their maritime defense strategies and nuclear arms policies, as noted by The Economic Times. Analysts believe that the deployment of Poseidon-carrying submarines could fundamentally shift undersea warfare tactics and international security dynamics. The vessel's progression through trials and eventual service entry will be closely watched by naval planners and governments worldwide, necessitating a re-evaluation of detection, deterrence, and escalation management postures, according to army Recognition.